Rapper Rick Ross arrested for alleged battery by strangulation

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.

Rapper Rick Ross has been arrested and charged with battery in a domestic violence case, according to police.

Miami Beach police arrested Ross, whose legal name is William Roberts II, early Thursday on a felony charge of battery by strangulation and a misdemeanor battery charge. He was booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 6:10 a.m.

The charges come after a woman accused Ross of repeatedly striking her and restricting her breathing during an alleged domestic violence incident at Ross’ Star Island mansion in August, according to CBS News.

An attorney for Ross, 50, claimed he is being wrongfully accused by an ex-girlfriend whose true motivations are unclear.

“The ex did not even file a police report until a month after the claimed incident allegedly took place,” defense attorney Steve Sadow wrote in the statement.

“Mr. Roberts is innocent and has pled not guilty to the charges. He respectfully requests that his friends, fans and the general public not prejudge the situation and allow the judicial process to run its course.”

Jail records showed that Ross was being held Thursday morning on $5,000 bail. An arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 22.

Ross, a Miami-area native, has been a prominent figure in hip-hop for two decades and is known for songs including Hustlin'.